Every city has magical places not known to even those who live in it. Sydney is no exemption from this, which quite expectedly since it is one of the most popular cities in the world. Like all great cities, Sydney also has the secret sites which simply wait to be discovered.
Besides visiting the usual spots, like Sydney Opera House, you can also experience some of these wonderful locations. In order not to miss the most amazing of them, here is the list you can use as a small guide.
Wendy’s Secret Garden
Wendy Whiteley, an ex-wife of famous artist Brett Whiteley, landscaped a large neglected land in Lavender Bay. The land, belonging to the New South Wales Rail Corporation, was beside her property and overrun by weeds and rubbish. As painter herself, Wendy started observing this land as a painting and started planting and organising the area.
The place turned into the garden people came to enjoy some quiet time on the bench and walk the secluded paths. It overlooks the Sydney harbour Bridge and became a home to various birds. The locals named this place the Wendy’s Secret Garden. Visitors often compare the garden to the ones painted and owned by Claude Monet.
Wendy turned the place into a unique mashup of nature and objects she found among the shrubs, like Bangalore palms donated by her daughter and tricycle. She scattered the ashes of her loved ones who passed away in the garden, like her daughter’s and ex-husbands, as well as of her parents, twin sister and pets.
Milk Beach
Milk Beach is a small and hidden seaside looking at the Sydney Harbour and Hermit Bay. It’s located in front of the heritage Strickland House in Vaucluse. The house was the home of Sydney’s second mayor and is a Victorian mansion designed by John Hilly. The beach is a secluded place not many tourists know about.
It’s 50 metres long with white sand and only minutes away from the famous and highly visited Bondi Beach. If you want to spend a relaxing afternoon or family time, this beach is a perfect spot for that. It has no restaurants and cafés, as well as showers but that doesn’t bother people from coming.
Paddington Reservoir Gardens
The former water reservoir was turned into a park the Paddington Reservoir Gardens in 2006 by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and JMD Design. The location has an original structure incorporated with sculptural and functional modern architecture. This makes it a unique and amazing representation of harmony between the rustic elements of the old building like iron, brick and wood, with the nature and modern design.
Visitors can access this area by stairs and elevator while the entry is free for the visitors. This is a perfect space to sit and chill in the sun under the mix of old and new. Paddington Reservoir Gardens were awarded the Australian Award for Urban Design in 2009.
Collins Flat Beach
Collins Flat Beach is another secluded spot by the sea and near Sydney. During summer, you can rent one of the serviced apartments Sydney offers and come to this beach for the cool and quite day. It’s a part of the Sydney National Park and thus you can enjoy beautiful nature and gorgeous waterfalls, too.
The entry is free and this is a perfect beach to come on a picnic with a family. However, this is also a perfect spot for a romantic day with your significant other. There is also a track and you can go on the bushwalking tours and forget the city rush.
Auburn Botanic Gardens
The suburb of Sydney, Auburn, is a home to one of the most magical botanic gardens in Australia. Established in 1977, Auburn Botanic Gardens have two lakes, several bridges and a waterfall. This spot is a home to amazing fauna and a unique plant life.
Each year, these gardens host Cherry Blossom Festival so if you are in Sydney in August you shouldn’t miss this location definitely. As part of their attraction, Auburn Botanic Gardens have Fauna Reserve, aviary, scented garden, amphitheatre, rainforest garden and many others. There is a community picnic area where you can barbecue with your friends or have a picnic.
All in All
If you are a Sydneysider, Australian or tourist you will find that Sydney has many magical places you can enjoy. Some may be less popular, like the ones on our list, and some you may see in their true greatness for the first time. Whatever the case, Sydney will enchant you and compel you with its secret and not-so-secret locations.
Author’s Bio:
Nina is a lifestyle blogger, yoga aficionado and a travel enthusiast with a distinctive taste for home decor. She’s passionate about learning new things and sharing meaningful ideas. In her free time, she loves to design clothes and furniture. If you wanna see what she’s up to you can find her on https://twitter.com/NinArtSimo
